McDaniel’s two losses this season have come by a combined three points, a stat that hinges on one or two plays throughout the game that wind up being critical to the outcome.

Mike Dailey knows last week’s overtime loss to Juniata played out just like that, with his Green Terror coming from behind to force overtime before falling 42-41 on a trick-play for two points in the extra period. And the second-year coach wants to shore up the little things in time for Saturday’s road contest at Dickinson.

The Terror (3-2, 2-2 Centennial) got big performances across the field last week — Matt Schleifer gained 254 all-purpose yards (154 receiving); Matt Cathey ran for 164 yards, a career high; Will Koester threw for 354 yards, a career high; and Spencer Wiersberg hit a career best 46-yard field goal, McDaniel’s longest field goal in 11 years.

Their defense shined in spots as well. McDaniel had seven pass breakups, interceptions from Brenden Clinton and Chris Inge, and nine tackles from Ray Doh — one of his 2.5 tackles for loss came when he darted into the backfield right off the snap and rattled Juniata’s Shaheed Ross with a big hit.

The outcome was likely heartbreaking, but some of the Green Terror walked off Kenneth R. Gill Stadium’s field smiling. Dailey said he was glad to hear senior linebacker Drew Scott describing the loss as a learning exercise for a football program still making strides to become successful again.

“He’s a four-year starter, he’s a captain of the team,” Dailey said about Scott, who made six tackles against Juniata. “He’s looked upon my teammates and by the coaches with high regard. And he realizes where we were and where we are now.”

The next step takes place at Biddle Field in Carlisle, Pa., where the Red Devils (1-4, 1-3) have been outscored 66-16 in two home games this fall. Dickinson’s losses have come against Muhlenberg, Johns Hopkins, and Susquehanna.

The Devils have the Centennial's lowest scoring offense at 10.6 points per game — a number that taxes a defense giving up 33.2 per game, and one preparing for a McDaniel squad that scores 34.8 per contest.

The Terror rank eighth in the country in Division III in time of possession (34:47 per game), led by their successful ground game. Cathey, who has filled in for injured starter Perry Stefanelli, has 502 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

“Where we are as a program is kind of where [the Red Devils] are,” Dailey said. “Working to get better and working to improve the program. And they’re going to fight and kick and scrap for everything, and we’ve got to be prepared to match the intensity and do the same.”

CAPTION

South Carroll junior point guard Dylan Graham talks about the Cavaliers' turnaround.

South Carroll junior point guard Dylan Graham talks about the Cavaliers' turnaround.

CAPTION

South Carroll junior point guard Dylan Graham talks about the Cavaliers' turnaround.

South Carroll junior point guard Dylan Graham talks about the Cavaliers' turnaround.